Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 | 4:24 p.m.
Thirteen children nearly drowned in August in pools in Clark County, the highest monthly total of near-drownings this year, authorities reported Thursday.
A news release issued by the city of North Las Vegas citing statistics compiled by the Southern Nevada Health District said five children had drowned and another 43 children had nearly drowned in Clark County in the first eight months of 2012.
All of those victims were under the age of 14, and almost 80 percent of the children who experienced a submersion incident were under 4 years of age. Four of the drowning victims were also under 4 years of age.
The Health District said 35 percent of the incidents occurred in public pools and 65 percent occurred in residential pools.
“Summer may be nearing an end, but the weather is still perfect for playing and swimming in the pool,” the news release said. “Please, keep pools a safe and fun place for everyone. It only takes a second. Children drown without a sound.”
Fire and rescue officials are urging people not to let their guard down in and around the water, and they advise the public to practice the A, B, C and D’s of drowning prevention – Adult supervision, multiple Barriers, CPR and swimming Classes and wearing Coast Guard-approved personal flotation Devices.
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